Solter assumes command of Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 2, Witczak bids farewell

Courtesy Photo | Lt. Col. Thomas J. Witczak released command of Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 2, to Lt. Col. Alan W. Solter, during a ceremony at the air station parade deck aboard Cherry Point, May 31.  

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NC, UNITED STATES

05.31.2012

Story by Lance Cpl. Cory D. Polom 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. - Lt. Col. Alan W. Solter assumed command of Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 2 from Lt. Col. Thomas J. Witczak during a ceremony at the air station parade deck aboard Cherry Point, May 31.

Witczak will move on to assume duties as a staff officer at Headquarters Marine Corps, Quantico, Va.

In his final address during the ceremony, Witczak thanked his Marines and sailors for a job well done.

"Over the last two years my mission couldn't have been done without the 600 plus Marines and sailors of MWHS-2," said Witczak. "This has been the high point of my career, and I am honored to have served with all of these Marines and sailors."

Solter, who transfers to 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing after serving as Cherry Point’s airfield operations officer, said he looks forward to commanding the "Snake Eyes."

"I have huge shoes to fill," said Solter. "I look forward to serving with all of these Marines and sailors. My father told me a quote I have lived by - 'if you take care of your Marines, they will take care of you better than even you can.'"

Solter deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom on three separate occasions between 2003 and 2008. He has more than 4,100 flight hours including more than 2,800 in the EA-6B Prowler and he has conducted more than 900 hours in the C-9B Skytrain and 112 carrier landings.

• Date Taken: 05.31.2012
• Date Posted: 06.04.2012 16:44
• Story ID: 89411
• Location: MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NC, US